1796 pattern sword for sale. The Peninsular/Waterloo period sword for sale in standard gilt over brass hilt assembly, with ring mount to the top, and  a fine ivory grip.

The curved blade bearing the italic script, 'Runckel, Solingen' name to the blade edge, to  the hilt. The blade decorated with golden floral motifs, King's crown & 'G.R.' cypher to the obverse. The reverse with golden floral motifs, post-1801 Royal Coat-of-Arms, and cannons.

The curved scabbard in dark brown leather without decoration and with gilted brass top, centre, and bottom mounts. The mounts beautifully cut with ornate patterns. The top mount bearing a fully engraved manufacturer’s cartouche, 'R. Johnstone, Late Bland & Foster, Sword Cutler & Belt Maker To His Majesty - 68, St. James's St. London'. The sword of good length and with its original brocade and material portepee. The portepee remains tied to the top swivel ring on the hilt assembly.

 Condition report: The hilt in excellent condition with some light mercuric gilt plate loss. Grip in very good to excellent condition, one small chip to the ivory toward the upped side, directly underneath the swivel ring. The blade in very good overall condition with good overall polish and free from major  unsightly rust or pitting. Above average condition for a blade which is over 200 years old.

The engraved decorations to the blade clear and retaining a gilt finish. The leather scabbard  fairly supple and complete, but typically needs to be handled with care once the sword has been removed. The scabbard mounts retaining much of their original mercuric gilt plating (the bottom mount with a couple of small dents). Both rings in place.

Note: Sword maker, Richard Johnston, took over the business from John Bland (died 1791), and Robert Foster (died 1798). After John Bland died in 1791, Robert Foster and Richard Johnston moved premises, just one shop away, from 70 St. James's Street, to 68 St.James's St. The two men worked together until Robert Foster's death in 1798. The cartouche on this sword gives an address of 68 St. James's Street.

After Foster's death, Richard Johnston took on another shop, then having the address of 38 & 68 St. James's Street. This indicates a twelve-month timescale, the sword being finished and sold circa  '1798.'